Abstract: An HVAC duct or utilicore for substantially containing air flowing longitudinally therethrough has at least one wall comprised of a poured high thermal mass material with at least one pipe embedded therein during a pouring process, the at least one pipe for circulating a fluid throughout the at least one wall at a temperature that is different from an ambient temperature of the air flowing through the utilicore, for effecting heat transfer through the at least one wall between the fluid in the at least one conduit and the air flowing through the utilicore. A side wall of an elongate monolithic poured concrete building construction module, having a substantially planar main wall and at least one side wall extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis, having a pipe embedded therewithin, may form at least a portion of an element that defines the utilicore.

Abstract: A mold includes a first shell and a second shell that are suitable, in the closed position, for imparting a shape to a part that is to be molded in the mold, a main axis being perpendicular to the main plane in which the first shell and the second shell extend. The mold further includes a slide that is situated between the first shell and the second shell and that is in contact with the first shell and the second shell when the mold is in the closed position, and that is to come into contact with the molded part, the slide presenting a first face that constitutes its interface with the first shell, the first face presenting a primary direction along which the slide is suitable for sliding along the first face when the mold is in the open position.

Abstract: A concrete delivery subsystem for delivering concrete to a plurality of casting machines having a concrete mixing source, a concrete pump; and a concrete transfer system, which includes a concrete placement boom a concrete delivery hose, and a concrete manifold having a splitting edge having a fillet radius within the range of 0.005 inch. to 0.01 inch. Also a concrete manifold having a splitting edge having a fillet radius within the range of 0.005 inch. to 0.01 inch.

Abstract: A casting machine (722) for fabrication of precast concrete structural members (1) is disclosed, which includes side walls with integrally formed end dams (784) which are movable from an open position (78) to a closed position (80), and a bottom casting surface (88), where the bottom casting surface (788) and side walls (784) serving to form a mold (812) surrounding a cavity (108) configured to contain wet concrete (26). Concrete (26) is pumped into the cavity (108) when the self-releasing mold (812) is in closed position (80). The side walls (784) are automatically movable to the open position (78) when the concrete (26) has solidified so that a precast concrete structural member (30) is automatically released from the self-releasing mold (812).

Abstract: A method of fabrication for precast concrete structural members, including providing an automated concrete structural member fabrication system, including at least one casting machine having a self-releasing mold which includes side walls and end dams which are pivotally movable from an open position to a closed position, and a bottom casting surface, where the bottom casting surface, the side walls, and the end dams surround a cavity when the side walls and the end dams are in closed position, and a removable mold core subsystem which is removably positionable within the cavity; moving the mold sides, the mold end dams and the bottom casting surfaces to a closed position; positioning the mold core subsystem within the cavity; filling the cavity with wet concrete; idling the casting machine until the wet concrete has achieved initial set to form an initial set concrete block; automatically releasing the self-releasing mold from the initial set concrete block; and removing the initial set concrete block from t

Abstract: A concrete delivery subsystem for delivering concrete to a number of casting machines, including a concrete mixing source, a concrete hopper assembly, and a rail system. Also, a system for automated concrete structural member fabrication, including a concrete mixing system, a concrete delivery subsystem, a block transport subsystem, and a number of casting machines, each casting machine having a self-releasing mold for fabrication of precast concrete structural members.

Abstract: A cement block mold which includes a base, a top cap and a flexible sidewall strip. The base has an upstanding peripheral sidewall with a single slotted engagement. The top cap has a downwardly extending peripheral sidewall with a single slotted engagement. The flexible sidewall strip having a first engagement at a first end and a second engagement at a second end. The sidewall strip is secured in position by bending the sidewall strip to form one of a circle or an oval, and then engaging the first engagement and the second engagement with the slotted engagement of the base, and then engaging the first engagement and the second engagement with the slotted engagement of the top cap.

Abstract: A culvert structure interconnectable with interconnectable paver blocks. The culvert structure comprises an elongated rigid casing having a bottom wall, opposed parallel vertical side walls, and an open top end. One of the vertical side walls has at least one projection formation for interconnection with a slot of adjacent ones of the paver blocks in a paved surface formed by the paver blocks. The other of the vertical side walls has a slot formation for interconnection with a blocks engaging projection of adjacent ones of the paver blocks in the paved surface. The bottom wall has passage means for the evacuation of water therethrough and a support structure connected to the rigid casing for supporting a grate over the open top end.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include a contoured tire tread, and a mold and method for forming the contoured tread. In a particular embodiment, a mold is provided for forming a contoured tread, the mold including a first mold member and a second mold member. The first and second mold members are reversibly displaceable from each other from a first, closed position in which the first and second members substantially enclose a mold cavity, to a second open position in which the first and second members are displaced from each other. The first mold member contains a mold cavity adapted to contain a polymeric material and having inner wall members and sipe-forming members. The first mold member having a contoured mold cavity bottom surface, and the second mold member having a contoured molding surface.

Abstract: An adjustable mold for manufacturing a pre-cast cantilevered concrete retaining wall. The adjustable mold includes a base, at least one upright form disposed substantially perpendicular and adjacent to the base, and a plurality of rails interchangeable and repositionable adapted to be secured to the base to vary the size and surface features of the retaining wall. The base, the upright form, and the plurality of rails cooperate to define a plurality cavities in fluid communication that shape and allow sufficient curing of a combination of fluid concrete and concrete reinforcement to form a retaining wall of a selected configuration. A top surface of the base is contoured to define the mold negative of a textured shape desirable for the external surface of the pre-cast cantilevered concrete retaining wall.

Abstract: Refractory furnace covers and methods for their construction are provided. A method includes providing a molding form base having a molding surface, providing an outer molding frame on the molding form base, and providing at least one inner molding member disposed across and dividing the molding surface into a first molding section and a second molding section. The inner molding member has a first molding surface and a second molding surface located adjacent to and facing the first and second molding sections, respectively, the inner molding member having a protrusion located along the length of the first molding surface. A first molded section of the furnace cover is cast between the outer molding frame and the first molding surface of the inner molding member, the inner molding member is removed, and a second molded section of the furnace cover is cast between the outer molding frame and the first molded section of the furnace cover.

Abstract: A parallelepiped structure (10) comprises interleaved panels (12), each panel being moulded from concrete and being rectangular in plan and comprising a plurality of slots (22) along their top edges (16). The panels can be interleaved in order to provide the structure (10). Tongues (13) between adjacent slots (22) are supported on both sides against movement perpendicular to the plane of the panel (12) by ridges (24a,b) on the supporting panel, and so that the weakness inevitably constituted by them is mitigated. The structure (10) is suitable to accept vehicular loading, while the panels that make it up are still individually light enough to be manipulated by hand. The panels are moulded in moulds assembled from blow-or vacuum-moulded sheets placed together in a sandwich.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.

Abstract: A retaining wall block and method of forming a retaining wall block are provided. The block includes front, back, top, bottom and side surfaces. The top surface of the retaining wall block includes a set of protrusions and the bottom surface includes a channel for engaging with the protrusions of adjacent blocks. Side surfaces of the block are tapered from the front surface to the back surface. A block form and a method of securing a stabilizing sheet to a block are also provided.

Abstract: A sheet feed roller prolonging sustainability of sheet feeding capability even if crushed powders are scattered. The sheet feed roller comprises a hub and an elastic layer provided on an outer peripheral surface of the hub, wherein plural grooves axially extend at specific intervals circumferentially on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer, a textured surface comprising mountain portions and a valley portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer except for the grooves, and on bottom surfaces and wall surfaces of the grooves, a ratio of a total area of the bottom surfaces of the grooves to a total area of the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer except for the grooves is 10% to 20%.

Abstract: A method for producing purpose-made blocks (10). According to said method, several purpose-made blocks (10) are produced in a mold (37) in such a way that the blocks (10) are arranged in at least one row (28) of purpose-made blocks in the mold (37) and respective adjacent blocks (10) of a block row (28) are interconnected in a zone of at least one predetermined breaking point (30). The purpose-made blocks (10) of a block row (28) are removed together from the mold (37) and the blocks (10) are separated from one another in the zone of the predetermined breaking point (30). According to the invention, adjacent purpose-made blocks (10) of one or each block row (28) are produced in the mold (37) in such a way that axes of the purpose-made blocks (10) deviate at least partially in the longitudinal direction (32) of each block row (28) from the longitudinal axis (32) of each block row (28) and that lateral pressure is exerted on the or each molded block row (28) to separate the predetermined breaking points (30).

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete blocks for constructing freestanding walls. The form includes a base and four side panels which are mounted on the base to pivot between a first position for casting a block and a second position for removing a cast block from the form. An insert is secured to the base for forming one end surface on the block and inserts are attached to the side panels for forming sides, top and bottom surfaces of the block. The inserts which form exposed sides of the block are textured to simulate natural stone. The inserts which form the top and bottom of the blocks form an interlocking connection which prevents stacked blocks from moving in a horizontal plane. Optionally, inserts used to form the top surface of blocks which will define the top of the wall may form a trough which is sufficiently deep to receive soil and plants.

Abstract: A three piece full port ball valve for use with a form for producing a cast concrete article is provided wherein the housing of the valve has been modified by creating openings through the valve housing to access the flow opening in the ball member for clearing concrete slurry therefrom after the form has been filled. Additional openings in the housing at other locations can be created for cleaning around the ball member and the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A form for manufacturing concrete retaining wall blocks. The blocks are cast in the form with a front face of the block down. A resilient face insert at the bottom of the form imparts an ornamental appearance to the front face of the block. The form has four sides which pivot at their bottom between a closed position for casting a block and an open position which permits removing the cast block from the form. Preferably, the cast block has parallel top and bottom surfaces and angled sides. Sides of the form form a groove in the bottom of the block which extends parallel to and spaced from the front face and form knobs which project above the top of the block for alignment with a grooves on adjacent stacked blocks forming a retaining wall. The block is formed with two lifting points, one for removal of the block from the form and one for moving the block when constructing a retaining wall.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes: a pair of substrates; polymer walls; and a display medium interposed between the pair of substrates, including a liquid crystal region partially provided with or completely surrounded by the polymer walls. The liquid crystal region includes a liquid crystal material having a helical pitch, the helical pitch being either unchanged or reduced upon rise in temperature.

Abstract: The mold is comprised of a bottom (4) wherein there are provided grooves (8) extending transversely between containment sidewalls (6); said sidewalls (6) have windows (14) which are aligned with the grooves (8) which preferably are delimited by the faces (10) of fillets (12) arranged in parallel, facing each other and fixed to the bottom (4) of the mold.

Abstract: Adjustable forms for pouring precast concrete slabs and similar articles of manufacture. The forms may be used either on site to produce concrete slabs as needed, or at a central manufacturing location, for transport to the site where needed. Concrete slabs produced with the adjustable forms may be used in patios, sidewalks, storage room or pump house floors, driveways, mobile home landings, and the like. The slabs may be steel reinforced, with expandable interlocking design, of various sizes, patterns and colors. Similar construction materials or decorative articles, such as tile, wallboard, and the like may also be produced with the improved forms.

Abstract: A mold insert adapted to be inserted as a base plate in a forming apparatus for molding precast concrete modules, for the purpose of forming a sloped rabbet in the wall sills of the concrete module. The insert is shaped such that when inserted in one orientation it produces an outside edge rabbet, and when inserted in an inverted orientation produces an inside edge rabbet. It comprises an extruded-aluminum hollow main beam having a top flange, a bottom flange, side walls, and one or more supporting webs, and has a section profile which is substantially in the shape of a flattened Z-section. The beam's width dimension is chosen for close conforming fit between the inner and outer form sections. Each side wall has two C-channels having a circular curvature and adapted to receive and support resilient tubing sealing members. The width of the insert can be expanded by expansion beams having circular boss rails adapted to slide into the C-channels of the main beam.

Abstract: A U-shaped, half-room precast concrete building unit is molded in an open box-like framework having four L-shaped corner assemblies, facing pairs of horizontal legs of which are respectively joined by laterally-extending telescoping spacers, and facing pairs of vertical legs of which are respectively each joined by two laterally-spaced longitudinally-extending plates. Inserts having alternating voids and blocks are placed longitudinally between the vertical leg pairs to form complementary block and void patterns on the molded unit juncture edges. Retainers having projections are placed over the top edges of the plates to form complementary tongue and groove portions. Relative dimensions of the molded unit are selectable through adjustment of the relative positionings of the corner assemblies.

Abstract: A method of sealing a concrete joint formed between a pair of concrete castings by creating an injection hole wherein a removable frame member can be attached to the bottom surface of the first concrete casting so as to form obtuse angles with the concrete casting surface. The other concrete casting is then cast around the frame member. The frame member is then removed to form the injection hole of the desired configuration, and sealing material can then be inserted into the injection hole for feeding into, and sealing of, the joint.

Abstract: A mold and process for integrally forming a modular helical shaped device such as a screw conveyor. The mold has a center operating axis (26) and includes a first section (20A) which forms a portion of the axial member (33). The first section (20A) also forms one of the helical surfaces (36A) disposed around the center axis (26) which has an amount of rotation no greater than 360 degrees. In a similar manner, a second section (20B) is adapted for reciprocating movement along the center axis (26) between an open and closed position with respect to section (20A). The second section (20B) forms the other one of the helical shaped flight members (41). Thus, the two mold sections define a substantially enclosed cavity having an elongated axial portion and a helical shaped flight portion with a selected cross-section that forms the helical shaped device.

Abstract: A core form is disclosed for casting a structurally reinforced concrete structure for use on a slab with an outer container form having rigid walls extending vertically comprising a casting core positioned internal the outer form and having vertically extending resilient walls defining an within contiguous core wall. The walls of the outer form and the walls of the casting core are spaced apart to define a mold cavity therebetween. A form base supported by the slab is positioned within the mold cavity to releasingly support the concrete structure to be formed and cured within the mold cavity. The walls of the casting core include an upper and lower periphery such that in use the lower periphery abuts the form base to seal the concrete internal the mold cavity relative the periphery and form base. The internal contiguous core wall is retractable to enable the placement of the reinforcing structure within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A mold and process for integrally forming a modular helical shaped device such as a screw conveyor is disclosed. The mold has a center operating axis (26) and includes a first section (20A) which forms a portion of the axial member (33). The first section (20A) also forms one of the helical surfaces (36A) disposed around the center axis (26) which has an amount of rotation no greater than 360 degrees. In a similar manner, a second section (20B) is adapted for reciprocating movement along the center axis (26) between an open and closed position with respect to section (20A). The second section (20B) forms the other one of the helical shaped flight members (41). Thus, the two mold sections define a substantially enclosed cavity having an elongated axial portion and a helical shaped flight portion with a selected cross-section that forms the helical shaped device.

Abstract: A method of moulding a panel, in particular a prefabricated wall panel, apparatus for carrying out such method and the products thereof wherein the panels are moulded in a substantially upright orientation in moulds split along the plane of the panel thereby enabling a large number of panels to be moulded in juxtaposed relationship, and, where required, a relief pattern to be formed in each major face thereof and also, if required, a tongue to be formed along one longitudinal edge of the panel and a groove along the other.

Abstract: An expansible mold for the fabrication of plaster parts having reliefs in the side walls comprising at least two walls and non-compressible deformable parts between two parallel side edges of the walls in which, under pressure, the deformable parts acquire the profile to be imparted to the molded plaster part, and which retract from the molded plaster part upon release of pressure to enable removal of the molded part without loss of a tight sealing relation with the mold.